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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    19 Cheap Crockpot Recipes Your Family Will Love

    By Emmeline Kemperyd on September 12, 2025, updated September 3, 2025 - Leave a Comment

    Cooking for a family can be a challenge, especially when trying to stick to a budget. These 19 affordable crockpot recipes are not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor, making them perfect for busy weeknights. From hearty stews to comforting casseroles, these meals will keep everyone satisfied without breaking the bank. We know "cheap" can mean different things to different people, so here you will find recipes fitting a variety of budgets - but all without any unnecessarily expensive ingredients.

    Slow Cooker Chicken in a Hurry

    Slow Cooker Chicken in a Hurry.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Chicken in a Hurry is a simple and tasty crockpot dish that combines tender chicken with onion soup mix, apricot preserves, and Russian dressing. This creates a sweet and tangy sauce that brings everything together. It's perfect for busy nights when you want a delicious meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Frito Chili

    Slow Cooker Chicken Frito Chili.
    Photo Credit: I heart Eating.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Frito Chili is a simple and healthy chicken chili dish that you can make in your crock pot. It takes very little time to prepare, so you can just set it and forget it. This meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken

    Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Season and Thyme.

    Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Thighs with potatoes and green beans is a simple slow cooker dish packed with flavor. This meal combines tender chicken with hearty potatoes and fresh green beans, all seasoned with delicious garlic and Parmesan. It's perfect for busy nights when you want a satisfying dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Black Eyed Pea Soup

    A bowl of black eyed pea soup.
    Photo credit: Bowl of Delicious.

    Black Eyed Pea Soup is a simple and filling dish that’s both affordable and healthy. Using dried black eyed peas, this soup is easy to prepare and cooks in much less time than traditional methods, thanks to your instant pot or slow cooker. It's perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.

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    Zuppa Toscana

    Zuppa Toscana.
    Photo Credit: Easy and Delish.

    This Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana is a comforting dish that you can prepare on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or with an Instant Pot. Packed with wholesome vegetables, Parmesan cheese, crispy bacon, and flavorful Italian sausage, it’s a satisfying one-pot meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe offers a healthier take on the classic favorite.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Tetrazzini

    Slow Cooker Chicken Tetrazzini.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Crockpot Chicken Tetrazzini is a comforting pasta dish that features tender chicken, mushrooms, and a creamy cheese sauce. It's a simple meal that you can prepare with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy evenings. This dish brings together familiar flavors in a way that feels homemade and satisfying.

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    Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef

    Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
    Photo Credit: Dinner at the Zoo.

    Flank steak is simmered with garlic, ginger, brown sugar, and soy sauce, creating a dish that brings the flavors of a Chinese restaurant right to your table. This easy recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of ingredients gives the steak a rich and savory taste that everyone will enjoy.

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    Slow Cooker Pizza Chicken

    Slow Cooker Pizza Chicken.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Pizza Chicken brings together all the classic flavors of pizza in a simple meal. With pepperoni and your choice of toppings, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. It's an easy way to enjoy a pizza-inspired dinner without much effort.

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    Slow Cooker Barbecue Beef Sandwiches

    Slow Cooker Barbecue Beef Sandwiches.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Homemade Slow Cooker Barbecue Beef Sandwiches are a simple and delicious meal. You can set it up in the morning and come home to a warm, satisfying dinner. This dish is perfect for busy days when you want something tasty without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu

    Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu.
    Photo Credit: Slow Cooker Meals.

    Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu is a simple and satisfying dinner option that even picky eaters will enjoy. With layers of ham, cheese, and chicken, it brings together familiar flavors that everyone loves. This dish is one of the easiest and most delicious meals you can prepare in a crockpot.

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    Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls

    SLOW COOKER CABBAGE ROLLS.
    Photo credit: The Food Blog.

    Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls are a great twist on a classic comfort food. You can come home to a warm, healthy dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. These stuffed cabbage rolls are satisfying and always a favorite at the dinner table.

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    Crock Pot Salsa Chicken

    Crockpot chicken salsa topped with avocados.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    This recipe features healthy, tasty, and incredibly tender chicken that you can easily prepare in the Crock Pot. It's perfect for busy nights, family gatherings, or when you want to get ahead on meal prep. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a delicious dish that everyone will love.

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    Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Meatballs

    Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken Meatballs.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Homemade chicken meatballs get a flavorful boost when they're cooked slowly in a chipotle sauce. This dish is sure to impress and will have everyone coming back for more. It's a simple way to elevate your dinner and add some excitement to your meal.

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    Slow Cooker Camp Stew

    Slow Cooker Camp Stew.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Slow Cooker Camp Stew is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and flavor to any meal. With tender chicken, a mix of tasty vegetables, and a touch of smokiness, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. It's perfect for family dinners or even when you're out camping, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

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    Crock Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup

    Crock Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup.
    Photo Credit: Slow Cooker Meals.

    Crock Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup combines the hearty flavors of a classic dish into a simple slow cooker meal. Featuring a mix of bacon, Italian sausage, creamy potatoes, and kale, this soup offers a warm and filling option for any evening. It's perfect for those nights when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Mayo

    Slow Cooker Whole Chicken with Mayo.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker.

    Make the most flavorful chicken with this slow cooker mayo chicken recipe. It’s flavored to perfection and sure to be a big hit with the whole family (even the kiddos).

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    Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

    Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup.
    Photo Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

    Chicken gnocchi soup is a cozy dish that brings the taste of a beloved restaurant right into your home. Using a slow cooker makes it easy to whip up, while still offering a hearty and fulfilling meal. With a mix of herbs and tender chicken, this soup is bound to be a hit for family dinners during the week.

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    Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken

    Slow Cooker Teriyaki Chicken.
    Photo Credit: Chew Out Loud.

    Slow cooker teriyaki chicken is a fantastic option that’s even better than takeout. With just a few simple ingredients, it’s super easy to prepare. Serve it alongside your favorite sides for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

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    Slow Cooker Lasagna

    Slow cooker lasagna.
    Photo Credit: Foodess.

    Slow Cooker Lasagna is filled with layers of cheese and rich flavors. The slow cooker handles everything, from cooking the meat sauce to baking the lasagna, so you don’t have to worry about boiling noodles separately. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you want a hearty meal with minimal effort.

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    More Recipe Roundups

    • Pizza baked butter beans.
      23 Cheap Meal Prep Dinners You Can Just Dump, Bake and Devour
    • 19 Slow Cooker Comfort Foods That Will Make You Crave Cozy Nights In
    • Broccoli grilled cheese.
      19 Epic Grilled Cheese Sandwiches That Are Definitely Worth the Hype
    • Greek chicken.
      23 Quick and Easy Sheet Pan Dinners for Any Craving

    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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    Hi, I'm Emmeline! I love tasty food, but I'm always in a hurry. And I have the quick and easy recipes to prove it!

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